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| Orchestra | Conductor Leader |
Rehearsal Venue/Times | Contact | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Adhoc Humanitarians’ Orchestra | Levon Parikian and Joseph Wolfe Tara Persaud | St Augustine’s Church, 117 Queen's Gate, London SW7, in the week before a Thursday concert | Eleanor Merton +44 (0)20 8880 3807 / +44 (0)7770 376701 | The aim of the orchestra is to play highly satisfying, top-notch concerts to raise money for small scale, international humanitarian projects. The band is made up of top amateurs, semi and full pros, no-one is paid |
All Saints Concert Band | Robert Mason and Brian Cox | Monday evenings from 8pm - 10.15pm in Upper Norwood SE19 | Debbie Grainger | Please contact us to find out about current vacancies. |
The Amadeus Chorus and Orchestra | Philip Mackenzie | Meets three times a year for intensive sessions. | | Training orchestra for music students |
Angel Orchestra | Peter Fender Abigail Dance | Wednesdays at 7.30pm in St. Silas with All Saints, Rising Hill St.(off Penton Street) N1 | Kieron Broadhead 07506 736126 | We are a friendly amateur orchestra being led by professional conductor and leader. We welcome interest from all instruments but particularly strings. We perform 3 concerts a year and rehearsals take the form of sectionals alongside full orchestral rehearsals. |
The Ashford Baroque Ensemble | Philip Buckmaster | St Matthew's Church, Church Road, Ashford, Middx. Fortnightly on Monday evenings | Philip Buckmaster 020 8751 5315 | Enthusiastic players wanted! Modern instruments accepted. We play music from c.1575-c.1775. Grade 8+ standard. Please visit our web site for more details and sound clips. |
| Ashford Orchestra | Peter Legge | Tuesdays in term time, 7.30 to 9pm at St Matthew's Church, Church Road, Ashford, Middlesex | Tony Rogers (Treasurer)Janet Husband (Secretary) 01784 241027. | Players of all standards welcome, especially string players. Ideal for newcomers to orchestral playing. |
Barnes Concert Band | David Smith | Barnes Library, Castlenau, Barnes, every Tuesday 7.30 - 9.30 | Claire Summerbell, 07793 765 492 | We are Always on the lookout for new talent. The band currently has vacancies for Clarinet, Horn, Tuba, String Bass and Percussion, ideally of grade 7 standard. |
The Barnet Band | | Wednesday evening between 7:45 and 10:00pm at Queen Elizabeth School, Queens Road, Barnet. | Ian Merryweather 020 8347-9208 | A community Wind Band who meet and play in the Barnet area. Playing enquiries always welcome. |
Barnet Chamber Orchestra | Rachael Young Eleanor Percy | Queen Elizabeth’s School for Boys, Queens's Road, Barnet, Hertfordshire EN5 4DQ Tuesday Evenings 8 -10pm | Stephen 020 8950 9359 Sue 020 8954 0430 | Join our new exciting friendly orchestra based in Barnet North London. Always looking for string players and some brass. Three concerts a year. See our website for details and rehearsal dates. |
The Barnet Symphony Orchestra | Martin Loveday Philip Gibson | Hendon School, Golders Rise, NW4 19:45 - 22:00 Mondays | Paul McLoughlin | Very friendly, thriving orchestra seeks keen musicians! We rehearse term time Mondays and play 3 concerts a year. There’s plenty of variety in our concert programmes to interest everyone. Please get in touch to find out more – we welcome all enquiries, particularly string players |
Beckenham Concert Band | John Hargreaves | Tuesdays 8 -10 pm St Barnabas Church Hall, Oakhill Road, Beckenham. | Philip Emery 020 8402-1318 | A friendly band performing regularly in South London and the South Coast. All players welcome, particularly Horns, Tubas, Bassoon, Drums and percussion. |
Belsize Baroque | Various guest directors | Susan Cooksley 07711 666270 | We play on period instruments , and perform three concerts a year as well as have three workshops with leading baroque specialists every year. Players don't necessarily need to be hugely experienced in baroque playing, but do need to be of a high standard. We welcome new players. | |
Blackfriars Sinfonia | Various guest conductors | Christ Church Hall, 27 Blackfriars Road, SE1 Tuesdays 7.00pm - 9.00pm. | David Moore 0208-6533625 | A Rehearsal Orchestra. New programme each week. Good sight reading practice! All enquiries welcome particularly strings. Access to own library of over 400 works, ranging from light to classical; also available to hire. Easy access from City & West End - near Southwark Jubilee line station. |
Blackheath Halls Orchestra | Leigh O'Hara Caroline Davis | Project based. Contact organisers for details | Rose Ballantyne | Particularly looking for strings, low brass, timpani. |
The Bloomsbury Chamber Orchestra | Michael Turner Alison Dods | Moorfield Eye Hospital, City Road EC1 Sunday day times. | | Some vacancies for string players, Grade8+ (or equivalent) |
Bloomsbury Woodwind Ensemble | Shea Lolin | Tuesday evenings, St Pancras Church, Euston Road, NW1 2BA | Sarah Walker (Membership Secretary) | We welcome players of any woodwind instrument. No audition. Our aim is to provide a friendly relaxed group for adults to make music and improve their playing. We put on concerts at least twice a year, generally for charities and community events. We are a player-run group with a professional musical director. |
The Brent Symphony Orchestra | Levon Parikian Adrian Charlesworth | Wednesday evenings at St James Church, Sheriff Rd, West Hampstead, NW6 2AP, 19:30–21:30. | Via website or 07879 247824 | A sociable full-size symphony orchestra, now in our 99th season. Besides 4 concerts per season we also rehearse challenging and varied repertoire. Vacancies for co-principal trumpet, violas, double basses and tuba. As we have a limited number of rehearsals per concert, new players must be grade 8+ standard with previous orchestral experience and good sight-reading skills. |
Bromley Concert Band | Martin Gibbs | Friday evenings from 8pm to 10pm in the Lower Church Hall of the Good Shepherd Church, Moorside Road | Natalie Walsh 07789483303 | We are currently looking for new players, particularly oboe, euphonium and clarinet. Please contact the band secretary if you are interested in joining. |
Bromley Symphony Orchestra | Adrian Brown Bernard Brook | St. George’s School Bickley, Mondays 7:30 - 9:45pm | Roy Banks 020 8402 0889. | One of the oldest and most distinguished non-professional orchestras in the country. Since its foundation after the First World War, the BSO has earned a high reputation for concerts of professional standard. It has worked with many internationally famous musicians, including Sir Adrian Boult, Norman Del Mar, Paul Tortelier, Ralph Holmes, Hugh Bean, Emma Johnson and Leslie Howard. The Orchestra welcomes applications from prospective new members. |
Brunel University Chamber Orchestra | Michael Sanderson Genevieve Haughey | Monday evenings, 7.30-9.30pm Recital Room, Lecture Centre, Brunel University, Cleveland Road, Uxbridge | Jay Wilkinson /Karen Lamb 01895 266074 | Friendly University-based orchestra welcomes new members, particularly strings and lower woodwind. 4 concerts each year with wide repertoire. |
The Bushey Symphony Orchestra | George Vass Richard Spenceley | Tuesdays 19:45-22:00 Bushey Hall School, London Rd, Bushey, Herts | Mike Brien | The Bushey Symphony Orchestra, a highly regarded part of the local community currently celebrating its thirtieth year, gives a minimum of five concerts per season with a wide variety of repertoire from the baroque to the present day. Some vacancies exist in the violin, viola and cello sections, and we are currently looking for a second flute doubling piccolo. Grade 8 upwards please |
The Camden Chamber Orchestra | Lev Parikian, Guy Hopkins John Crawford | Tuesday evenings, Camden Square, NW1 | John Broad, 020-7267-3450 | A friendly orchestra which performs three major concerts a year. Please refer to the orchestra website for current vacancies, as they do arise from time to time. We don't hold auditions but invite new players to join us for an informal trial period. |
| Camden Light OrchestraNEW | | Kentish Town Congregational Church Hall, Monday evenings 7.30 - 9.00 during school term time | Chris Pyne 07977 698892 | Plays jazz,Latin and world music. Open to all instruments, all ages, all abilities. Termly subscription £60 but come to see if you like it free of charge... |
The Cannons Scholars | John Andrews Various | John Andrews 020 8980 2623 | Small and friendly baroque orchestra (on modern instruments) meeting three or four times a year for intensive rehearsals and concerts in central London, often of baroque operas and theatrical works using professional singers. Interest rather than experience in baroque playing a necessity. Players should be at least Grade 8. All enquiries welcome. | |
The Central Band of The Royal British Legion | Captain David Cole | Norbury Royal British Legion Club Every Wednesday evening 7:45pm - 10pm | Secretary, Caroline Docherty 020 8646 6066 / 07977 523114 | Always welcoming new players of a high standard, especially trumpet/cornet players. Need not be ex forces. Many engagements throughout the year including Fairfield Hall, Croydon, Sittingbourne, Gravesend, Eastbourne Bandstand for a week, Picnic Concert at Fort Nelson and Festival of Remembrance at St Paul’s Cathedral each year. |
Chamber Academy Orchestra | Kwesi Edman Abigail Dance | Thursday evenings between 8 and 10pm, St Mary Magdalene Church, Munster Square, London, N1 (Camden) | Kwesi Edman & Abigail Dance 07984 013112 or 020 7609 1328 | Chamber Academy is a new orchestra based in the east end of London. We hold a concert following each 10 week term. Rehearsals will include sectional coaching with our tutoring staff and the opportunity to work with excellent soloists and young composers. Each rehearsal is lead by our professional conductor and leader. We are currently recruiting for all strings, principal flute, principal clarinet, principal horn and trumpet. |
The Chamber Orchestra | Nick Coote Anna Ritchie | Exmouth Market Centre, 24 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QE, Wednesday. Sectionals 6.15-7.45pm Full Orchestra 7.55-10pm | Nick Coote 01732 780310 | A friendly string orchestra where anyone is welcome to join. There are no auditions. |
City of London Symphonic Winds | John Andrews | (see notes) | John Andrews 07976 567 927 | CLSW is a group of woodwind and brass players, based in and around London. Rehearsing from September 2005 in central London, we perform a range of symphonic music as well as some lighter numbers. |
City Wind Orchestra | Shea Lolin | St. Olave's Church Hall, Mark Lane, London EC3R 7NB on a Monday 7-9.30pm | Roger Blake (Membership Secretary) | The City Wind Orchestra is a friendly wind orchestra set up in 2009 for amateur wind, brass and percussion musicians. Concerts given three times a year in the City of London and consists mainly of original Wind Orchestra repertoire. |
COMA London Ensemble | Gregory Rose | Shoreditch Church, Shoreditch High Street, London E1 (nearest tubes: Liverpool St and Old St) 19.00 - 21.30 Tuesdays | Liz Herbert, 020 8806 3959 | COMA is Contemporary Music Making for Amateurs. All instruments and all abilities welcome. Public concerts in London twice/year plus opportunities to take part in COMA National events - usually at contemporary music festivals in UK and Europe. Opportunities for composers. |
The Corinthian Chamber Orchestra | Guest conductors | BMA House, Tavistock Square 19:00 Wednesdays | Kathryn Keen 07932 788 739 | The Corinthian Chamber Orchestra is one of London's leading amateur orchestras. Formed in 1995 under the musical direction of the late Alan Hazeldine, the orchestra has built a reputation for extremely high quality performances in its regular concerts (6 per year) at St. James's Church, Piccadilly. Vacancies for double basses and occasionally other players. High standard of players, post grade 8 or music college. Admission by trial rehearsal/concert, depending on experience. |
Covent Garden Chamber Orchestra | Guest conductors Ellen Gallagher | Two evening rehearsals in week prior to concert, two in the week and one on afternoon of the concert, 15 hours total | Ruth Newman 07802 174274 | Very friendly and social chamber orchestra of a high standard that prides itself on working with up-and-coming conductors and soloists as well as established names. New bass section being formed we would welcome enquiries. |
Croydon Orchestral Ensemble | David Porter Margaret Hawken | Tuesday evenings 8.0pm to 10.0pm at St Mildred’s Church Hall,Bingham Road Addiscombe | Martin Jenner 020 8642 7200 | We are a friendly orchestra rehearsing under an enthusiastic conductor. We play symphonies, selections from musicals and general light music. We welcome enquiries from all instruments but are particularly looking for string players. |
Croydon Symphonic Band | David Cox | Christ Church Hall, West Croydon, Surrey CR0 3LJ, Wednesday Evenings, 8:00 pm | Sue Reeves (020) 8657 8591 | We already have 50 people in the band and we welcome new members. No auditions, just come along and enjoy the fun of a rehearsal! We are short of lower brass players and any new trombonists would be made especially welcome! |
The Croydon Symphony Orchestra | Darrell Davison Cathy Smart | Friday evenings 7.30 - 10.00’ish East Croydon United Reformed Church Hall, Addiscombe Grove, Croydon | Sue Cooper Claire Slade 02086885090 | Friendly orchestra performing mainly romantic and later repertoire. 6 concerts a year in Fairfield Hall and 1 in Croydon Parish Church. A few vacancies, mainly 1st violins. |
Crystal Palace Band | Michael Gray | Wednesday, 8-10pm at St John’s Church, St John’s Road in Penge | Band Secretary, Rachel Bleach 020 8776-2520 | One of the few traditional Brass Bands remaining in London. We operate an open band rehearsal - just turn up - but if you need to borrow an instrument, it’s probably best to contact the Band Secretary. |
Da Capo Concert Band | Ian Mitchell | 8-10pm every Wednesday, Large Hall, All Saints Arts Centre, Oakleigh Road North, Whetstone, N20 9EZ | Caroline Harris 07760 243 400 | Da Capo Concert Band celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2007. We are a friendly symphonic wind band that plays many of the stand wind band repertoire as well as exploring classic and contemporary symphonic band works with a view to entertaining and challenging both ourselves and our audiences. New members are always welcome, please contact us for further information. |
Dartford Concert Band | Ian Harby Heather Kennedy | Wednesday 8-10pm St John Hall, Princes Road, Dartford | Don Valentine | Friendly band playing wide variety of music from Vaughn Williams to Shostakovitch, Lloyd Webber to Glenn Miller. 5 or 6 performances a year, mainly Saturday Evenings in N.W Kent. All wind and brass players welcome, see web site for more information |
Docklands Sinfonia | Spencer Down Adam Barker | St Anne's Church, Commercial Road, Limehouse E14. Wednesday nights 7pm to 9:30pm. | Spencer Down +44 (0) 7971 387 101 | An exciting new symphony orchestra for London's dynamic Docklands. Docklands Sinfonia is a high standard orchestra which is made up of professional musicians, music college students and talented amateurs. The orchestra, which was formed in January 2009, has already filmed for the BBC and performed with renowned soloists. We still have spaces for high-calibre and committed string players. Sign up now at our web site and click on the 'JOIN US' page. |
Dulwich Symphony Orchestra | Julian Williamson Paula Tysall | Tuesdays from 7.30 to 9.30 pm at the Elmgreen School, Elmcourt Road, SE27 9BZ | Frances Barrett 07773 381562 | Strings and Brass especially welcome. |
The Ealing Symphony Orchestra | John Gibbons Peter McGowan | Rehearsals Thursday evenings. | Richard Partridge 0208-567 4075 | Playing enquiries always welcome. |
Ealing Youth Orchestra | Leon Gee | Twyford School, Acton W3 9PP | Julia Walport 020-8788-9755 | Vacancies for harp, tuba, viola and bass players |
| The East Hertfordshire Youth Orchestra | David Boarder | 7-9pm on Friday evenings at Simon Balle School, Mangrove Road, Hertford (term times). | David Boarder - tel 01992 623489 fax 01992 643795 | Hertfordshire County Music Service |
East London Late Starters Orchestra | | Saturday morning during school terms, Professional Development Centre, Mile End (near to Mile End tube) | Hannah Poulsom | ELLSO is a teaching orchestra who welcome all grades of string players, including complete beginners. Ensembles are conducted by our various instrument tutors. |
ELLSO Intermediate Performance Ensemble | Nick Coote | Monday Evenings 7.15-9.30pm Bow Mission, Merchant Street E3 4LY | Andrew Sargent | This friendly and supportive string orchestra is for players who have been playing for at least a year or so and are looking to develop their ensemble playing skills. Ten week term with opportunities to perform at ELLSO concerts. |
ELLSO Performance Orchestra | Leo Patsalides Jenny Lloyd | St Anne's, Limehouse London E14. Thursdays 7.15 – 9.30pm | Jenny Lloyd | A small friendly string and woodwind orchestra grade 6+, see website for current repertoire in rehearsal, term dates etc. New players most welcome! |
BBC Elstree Concert Band (non prof.) | Mike Crisp | Maida Vale Studios on Monday evenings at 7.30 pm. | Charley Brighton | Regular concerts and recordings are undertaken with an annual trip to France normally in August of each year. |
Enfield Chamber Orchestra | Martin Smith Sarah Colley | Monday evenings during term time, 7:45pm - 9:45pm, Holy Trinity Church, The Broadway, Winchmore Hill | Edmund Booth | After over 60 years as the Enfield String Players, we're now Enfield Chamber Orchestra (ECho), in order to incorporate a regular body of wind players and become Enfield's first chamber orchestra. To balance the new wind section, we want to recruit competent string players, particularly in the violin and viola sections. We are a very friendly orchestra who first and foremost enjoy playing great music. A minimum standard of Grade 7 is preferred, but a commitment to rehearsals and improving standards are the most important requirements. |
Ernest Read Symphony Orchestra | Peter Stark John Crawford | Sunday afternoons in Central London venues 4/5 concerts a year. Some Saturday rehearsals and all-day workshops at weekends | | We were founded in 1931and are probably best known for the children's concerts performed in The Royal Festival Hall and also for our appearance on Channel 4's programme ""Faking It"" We perform to a very high standard and many of our players have been through music college or have done music degrees at university. Our conductor, Peter Stark is senior conducting fellow at Trinity College of Music , London. Entry requirement is grade 8 plus for all sections. |
Finchley Chamber Orchestra | David Lardi Anna Dryer-Beers | Thursday evenings at Trinity Church, Nether Street, Finchley N12 | Clare Thomas 07957 472801Rosemary Cook 07966 934186 | Five/six concerts a season. Sociable but musically demanding (competent amateurs - grade 8 or semi-pro). For further information please see contact numbers, or e-mail via our website. We would particularly welcome enquiries from string and brass players. |
Forest Philharmonic | Mark Shanahan John Crawford | Monday evenings, Walthamstow | Nick Theobald | 4 or 5 concerts annually in Walthamstow Assembly Hall, also Guildford, Hackney and Barbican Centre. A thriving and friendly orchestra achieving the highest standards. |
Fulham Symphony Orchestra | Mark Dooley Juliet Hughes-Rees | Novotel, 1 Shortlands, London W6 (Hammersmith tube) Mondays 19.15-21.30 | Marian Herlihy | We are a friendly and ambitious amateur orchestra rehearsing in Hammersmith, and performing 3 or 4 concerts a year in the Hammersmith and Fulham area. Please see our website for current vacancies. |
| The George Miles Light Orchestra | George Miles Angela Hunt | Thursday, Wellington Road, Enfield 8-10pm. | 020-8360-2505 | This orchestra gives about 10 charity concerts per year. Is very friendly and welcoming and needs ALL strings and some brass. |
Greenwich Concert Band | Chris Lloyd | Thursday evening at 7.50pm in Holy Trinity Church, Southend Crescent, Eltham, London SE9 | | Formed in 1988, the Greenwich Concert Band provides excellent experience to musicians of all ages allowing them to continue their musical education and enjoyment long after their schooldays. |
Hampstead Sinfonietta | Andy Rochford Tim Miller | Two rehearsals before a concert in St Marks Church, Regents Park NW1 | Ellie Wood | The Hampstead Sinfonietta perform with the Royal Free Hospital Choir. We play three concerts per year consisting of instrumental and choral works. |
Harmony SinfoniaNEW | Lindsay Ryan Zsuzsa Berenyi | Wednesday 7.30-9.30 pm, Prendergast School (Hilly Fields), Adelaide Avenue, Ladywell, SE4 1LE | Lindsay Ryan Sharon Moloney | Starting in September, an exciting new, high-standard symphony orchestra which will be a vivacious and friendly orchestra of a high standard, aiming to improve access to quality orchestral playing. Now recruiting high-calibre and committed players for string instruments, lower brass and percussion. Apply for positions now, as places are filling quickly! |
Harrow Symphony Orchestra | Michael Teychenné Robert Was | 7:45 – 10:00 Thursdays at the Northwood Hills United Reformed Church, Joel Street, Northwood Hills, Middlesex HA6 1NL | Robin Smith 01923 266846 | 30 players of a broad age range. Urgently seeking new string players. Entry requirements – Grade VI and above. Three concerts a year consisting of classical and romantic works. |
Havering Concert Orchestra | Bill Brooks Donna Schooling | Wednesdays during term times from 7.30pm – 9.30pm at Upminster Infants School, Upminster, Essex | Jane Chivers 01708 389138 | A thriving orchestra, offering a warm welcome to new members. We perform a varied programme at the Queens Theatre Hornchurch 3 times a year. Vacancies for string and brass. |
The Hayes Symphony Orchestra | Ben Ellin Lynn Cook | Wednesdays, 7.45-9.45pm, at the Emmanuel United Reformed Church, The Grove, West Wickham, BR4 9JS | Mrs. Helen Hopkins, Hon Secretary 0208-658 2466 David Thomas, 020 8851 5830 | We perform three concerts per year, playing works by composers such as Beethoven and Brahms, and occasionally later works and world premiers by contemporary composers such as the conductor, Benjamin Ellin. New players will be warmly welcomed, especially string and brass players. |
| The Hendon String Orchestra | Roy Budden Adrian Charlesworth | Hendon Methodist Church, The Burroughs, Hendon NW4 (nearest tube Hendon Central). Very near Middlesex University. Tuesday evenings 8.00-10.00. | Roy Budden 0208-346 2080 | All string players welcome. |
Highbury Strings | Tom Whitehouse William Ellington | Highbury Roundhouse, 71 Ronalds Road, Islington, N5 1XB, Sunday 7 to 9 pm | William Ellington | Intermediate string players welcome. Simplified parts available. |
Hillingdon Philharmonic Orchestra | Peter Williams Hilary Holloway | In Ickenham, three or four rehearsals before each concert | Lydia Holland 01895 252580 | Three or four concerts a year plus a repertoire day. We play music from 17th to 20th century. New players welcome. |
The Hounslow Symphony Orchestra | John K. Andrews Chris Aubrey | Mondays at the Green School, London Road, Isleworth at 19:15 | Geoff Pinney | |
Kensington Chamber Orchestra | Various guests Derek Essen | Usually Tuesday evenings, St Clement & St James CE School, Penzance Place, W11 | | 4 concerts a year. We have a few vacancies for quality violin & viola players, and we accept people on a recommendation + trial period. |
Kensington Philharmonic Orchestra | Mark Fitz-Gerald Margaret Whittall | St Augustine’s Church, 117 Queen's Gate, London SW7 Monday evenings 7-9.30 p.m. | Elizabeth Rantzen (membership secretary) | Three concerts a year in Chelsea Town Hall. A friendly well-established orchestra. Experienced violins, violas, cellos, double-basses welcome. |
Kensington Symphony Orchestra | Russell Keable Alan Tuckwood | 18:30 - 21:30 Thursdays | | Very comprehensive web site |
Kew Sinfonia | Orlando Jopling Gudrun Edwards | Usually 4 rehearsals, on Sundays afternoons/evenings and a Thursday evening | David Edwards, Chairman, 020 8876 9318 | Friendly and enthusiastic orchestra for professionals and talented amateurs. 3 concerts a year at St Anne's Church, Kew Green. |
Kew Wind Orchestra | Spencer Down Catherine Bromley | Thursdays 7:45 - 10:00pm, Richmond | Enquiries: 0208 876 2192 | The multi award-winning Kew Wind Orchestra is one of Britain's top amateur wind orchestras, renowned for its popular and challenging repertoire of symphonic, classical and jazz music. Currently seeking E flat and alto clarinets, bassoon, horns and bass trombone. Grade 8+ standard. Other inquiries always welcome. |
Kingston Chamber Orchestra | Andy Meyers Charles Knights | Wednesday evenings at 7:30 at St John's School, Portland Road, Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey KT1 2SG | Enquiries through website please | The Kingston Chamber Orchestra is an amateur orchestra of high standard, based in Kingston, Surrey, UK. Our members are a mixture of professionals, teachers, semi-professionals and keen amateurs. We rehearse weekly during term-time and perform at least three concerts per year. |
Kingston Philharmonia | Levon Parikian Clare Howick | 7.45pm to 10 pm Fridays, at St.Nicholas Church Hall, Summer Road, Thames Ditton, Surrey. | Chris Pocock: (020)89773851 | Strings needed! |
Lambeth Orchestra | Chris Fifield Jillian Warburton | Christchurch, Brixton Road, SE1. 19:00 Thursdays | | Vacancies for violas & basses. |
Lambeth Wind Orchestra | John Holland | Thursdays 7.45 at St. Paul's Church Hall, Herne Hill, SE24 | Secretary | We are a new band in the Lambeth/Herne Hill area. We are currently looking for a tenor saxophone, trumpets, a trombone and tubas. No auditions. |
The Learning Orchestra | David Evans | Thursday evenings (term time) at Lancing Street, Euston, London NW1, 6.30pm-9pm. | Enquiries through website please | Violins and violas particularly needed - Grade 5 (approx) min. Two concerts a year. |
Lewisham Concert Band | Leslie Lake | Most Sundays, 10-45 am to 12.45 pm. Prenderghast School, Hilly Fields, off Adelaide Avenue, London, SE4. Near Ladywell Station and Crofton Park Stations. | John Fisher 07906 966 159. | Friendly band, good standard, rehearses and performs private and public concerts all year round in London and South East. Fantastic range of music in band library. Admission by committee vetting and audition. Grade 8 plus. Founded 1967, Radio 2 & 3 broadcasts, won T.V. Times National Band contest. For further details check our website address. To come to a trial rehearsal contact us via our email address on the left |
The Linden Wind Orchestra | Tom Higgins Lucy Underhill | Tuesdays, 8:00 – 10:00 at St Mark’s Church, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 4DT | Enquiries through website please | We are a thriving band that plays good music to a high standard. We are continually expanding our repertoire and aim to give several concerts each year. We come from all walks of life and our playing ability ranges from around Grade 8 to semi-professional standard. We welcome players of any age who are of about this standard. If you are interested, you would be welcome to come to one of our Open Rehearsals. |
| The London Amateur Symphony Orchestra | Daniel Cohen | Tuesday evenings from work (1800-2030) | Fiona Horrox | Orchestra probably folded – contact was invalid. |
London Charity Orchestra | William Carslake Simon Kodurand | Mondays 7.00-9.30; Chelsea | Stephen Bonney | Performs at St John’s Smith Square in aid of charity. High standard orchestra of music students/graduates and strong amateur players. New players welcome (must be Grade 8+) in all departments. |
London Contemporary Chamber Orchestra | Alan Taylor | Saturdays in Herne Hill, SE24 | Alan Taylor | A chamber orchestra rehearsing and performing contemporary music, working with composers on the development of their pieces. Rehearsals and workshops every couple of months. Looking for more string players. |
The London Gay Symphonic Winds (LGSW)NEW | Tom Briers | Thursdays from 7pm to 9pm in Pimlico | Clare Cahill 07896 039 938 | Associated with the London Gay Symphony Orchestra, the LGSW is London’s only symphonic wind band for and from the LGBT communities in London. Brass, wind and percussion players are always welcome to join us in a safe , supportive and fun environment, where sexuality is not an issue. |
London Gay Symphony Orchestra | Simon Bowler | Sunday evenings, Central London | Nicole Aebi-Moyo | The London Gay Symphony Orchestra is the only lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender orchestra in the UK. We welcome anyone whatever their sexuality. We perform 4 or 5 concerts a year in a friendly and welcoming environment. We pride ourselves on being a dynamic, player-led orchestra with lots of innovative ideas. |
London Gypsy Orchestra | Gundula Gruen Gundula Gruen | Thursday evenings, Rosemary Works School, Branch Place, London N1. | Gundula 020-7348 3948 | An amateur group of intermediate and advanced players of any instrument who have a passion for Eastern European Gypsy and folk music. New members always welcome! |
The London International Orchestra | Toby Purser John Bradbury | The Free Church, Hampstead Garden Suburb, Central Square, London NW11, Wednesday evenings, 7.30-10.00 | Tom Radice 020 8455 1025 or 07941 528 034 | The London International Orchestra (formerly the North West London Orchestra) was founded in 1986 and is an orchestra with a difference, raising £000 for charity by performing popular classics to professional standards before enthusiastic audiences. Many of its members are teachers and retired professionals. We particularly welcome good players who can add strength and brilliance to our already powerful string sections. Vacancies for woodwind and brass occur from time to time: for details and term dates please enquire. |
London International Orchestra of Academia | Dominic Grier and Robert Tuohy David Worswick | Stephen Mansfield General Manager | Founded in 2006 for students of the capital's conservatoires and other suitably able musicians to gain additional orchestral training and performance experience. Also LIOA was seen as a means of offering high-profile concert events to community audiences in the south London community. | |
London Lawyers' Symphony Orchestra | Matthew Willis/Ben Pope Sylvia Kapp | 7.00-9.30pm Tuesdays, Welsh Baptist Chapel, Eastcastle St, W1 (nr. Oxford Circus) | Sean Gibbons 020 7809 2613 | The standard is Grade 8+. The orchestra is open to non-lawyers as well as members of the legal profession. No auditions are necessary for singers and string players. Some wind and brass vacancies may also be available. There is an affiliated choir, rehearsing on Thursday evenings. The choir and orchestra perform 4-5 concerts per year. |
The London Medical Orchestra | Michael Axtell Tina Bowles | The Highbury Roundhouse Community Centre 71 Ronalds Road, London N5 1XB Tuesdays at 7.15pm | Michael Axtell 01322-553591Adrian Garfoot - 07732 407 310, weekends 01553774586 | No medical connection necessary, no auditions and student rates per term. Concerts are in aid of medical charities held three times a year. String players always welcome. |
London Orpheus Philharmonic Orchestra | Guest conductors Clare Wheeler | 3 weeks before a concert at St Botolph's, Aldgate High Street, London, EC3N 1AB | Rosalind Porter | 40 strong orchestra of professionals, semi-pros, students and experienced amateurs of Grade 8 plus. All donate time to raise money for various charities through concerts of varied repertoire at their home of St Botolph's Aldgate. |
The London Phoenix Orchestra | Levon Parikian Catherine Lindley | Monday 6.35-8.45pm at St Thomas More School, Cadogan Street, London | Nigel Dant 01252 557329 (day) 0118 986 8784 (eve) Alison Bowyer, General Manager 07740 946939 | Run by The Insurance Orchestral Society. Currently looking for Double Bass, Viola, Trumpet and Trombone players. |
The London Repertoire Orchestra | Francis Griffin | 7:00 to 9:30 Wednesday evenings in at St Joseph’s Church Hall, Lamb’s Passage, EC1Y 8LE | Francis Griffin | The orchestra plays different music each week, and would welcome string players and has vacancies for wind deputies and extras. |
London Saxophone Choir | Roger Cawkwell | 2nd and 4th Friday of every month in Herne Hill, SE24 | Titia Rijpma and Sharon Moloney 07855 833915 | A group for saxophones only, open to all abilities without audition. We play music written in a wide range of styles and from many different eras, from baroque to modern and jazz, many of which have been specially arranged by our conductor, Roger Cawkwell. |
The London Shostakovich Orchestra | Christopher Cox Jonathan Lee | Full day, the weekend in advance of the concert, followed by an afternoon rehearsal on the concert day. St Cyprian’s Church, Glentworth Street NW1. | Martin Watts | Currently working through a complete cycle of Shostakovich symphonies. Contact via the web site. |
Mary Ward Orchestra | Nick Coote | Friday 8.30pm-10pm Mary Ward Centre, 42 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3AQ | Nick Coote | A String Orchestra which meets at the Mary Ward Centre as part of the Mary Ward String Workshop. Friendly group, short performance at end of term but also lots of sight reading. Minimum Grade 5. |
| Meridian Sinfonia | Ben Rous | Sundays at 7-9pm at St Nicholas Church, Deptford Green, London SE8 3DQ. | Ben Rous (07905 381931)Mike Jefferson (0207 3680115) | The Meridian Sinfonia was formed 2004. We are looking for players of around grade 8 standard (and above), and currently have vacancies in most sections. Please get in touch with Ben or Mike if you are interested in joining. |
Middlesex Yeomanry Concert BandNEW | Michael Robinson | Sundays 10-12, Whitehouse Center, 45 The Avenue, Hampton, TW12 3RN | Rhys Hughes | An Amateur concert band that welcomes all. We have a long history of music and perform regularly throughout the area every year. |
Morley Chamber Orchestra | Charles Peebles Catherine Clarke | Morley College, 61 Westminster Bridge Rd, SE1, near Lambeth North Tube or Waterloo. Thursday Evenings 19.00 to 21.30. | Music Secretary 020 7450 1838 | High standard, medium sized repertoire orchestra; with a distinguished pedigree (previous conductors include Holst and Tippett). Offers a unique opportunity for skilled instrumentalists to significantly broaden their knowledge of the rich smaller orchestral literature with its main focus on broadening players’ sight reading techniques and musicianship. Will explore a wide variety of compositions by following an in depth fortnightly rotation of challenging works from the 18th century to modern times. Vacancies for Grade 8+ violins and violas and basses, and enquiries always welcome from wind players. Occasional concerts. |
| Morley College Conductors' Orchestra | Paul Sarcich (tutor) Derek West | 2-5 Saturdays term time. At Morley College, 61 Westminster Bridge Rd. SE1 7HT. Underground: Lambeth North | Tom Whitehouse 02072516339 07702841896 | This orchestra is conducted by different trainee conductors. From the Morley Conducting Course and plays different pieces each week. E.g. An overture and a symphony. It's free, friendly, great sight-reading practice; no pressure on players. Great experience of playing excellent works straight through. Just turn up any week. Strings always needed. Brass and woodwind please phone to check. |
The Mornington Sinfonia | Keith Bramich Elizabeth Binks | Thursday 7.45 - 9.45 pm in the Church Hall of Our Lady Help of Christians on the corner of Lady Margarets Road and Falklands Road, NW5 | Keith Bramich | We would welcome all string and brass players and some woodwind players. Our standard is particularly suitable for intermediate players. No audition required - if you like us, we'll like you! |
| The Nelson Orchestra | Adam Pounds David Richmond | 19:30 Thursday | | |
New Redbridge Wind Orchestra | Miles Harwood | Thursdays from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. at John Savage Centre, Fencepiece Road, Barkingside, Ilford, Essex IG6 2LJ | Miles Harwood 02085054329 | A community wind band established in 1996. New members welcome (minimum standard Grade VI), especially tenor saxophones, trombones and tubas. |
Nonesuch OrchestraNEW | Tom Seligman Jennifer Thorn | Thursday mornings in term-time from 10.15–12.15 at the London Interfaith Centre, 125 Salusbury Road, Queen’s Park | Gill Hallifax John Middleton | Founded in 1962, the orchestra is a versatile and dynamic string orchestra with a professional leader and conductor which welcomes players from 18 to 80. Its principal aims are to take music from pre-Bach to post-Bartok into schools, giving children a unique chance to hear a live orchestra, and to provide a platform for young soloists and conductors. |
North Downs Sinfonia NEW | various Sylvia Seaton | 1st Sunday of the month, Tatsfield | Peter Maynard Andrew Harber | NDS is a thriving Symphony Orchestra based in the village of Tatsfield on the Kent/Surrey border, noted for its high musical standards and friendliness. We play 2 concerts a year to large and enthusiastic audiences under different conductors each season. We welcome new players, especially strings, grade 7/8+, please mail us or refer to our website for more details. Hope to see you soon! |
| North London Morning Orchestra | Harry Susans Betty Bliss | Every Wednesday morning from 10.00-12.00am at The Scout Hut - opposite The Jolly Farmers pub, Slades Hill Enfield | Eric Savage 020 8367 3169Joyce Beltram 020-84461729 | A friendly orchestra which plays a wide range of light and classical music simply for pleasure. Vacancies for 2 flutes and 2 oboes. No auditions ! |
| The North London Philharmonia | Ron Rappoport Robert Masarachi | Tuesday eves, Golders Green Parish Church, North End Rd. London NW11 | Ron Rappoport 020 8346-8645 | |
The North London Symphony Orchestra | David Lardi Tina Bowles | United Reformed Church, Ferme Park Road/Weston Park, London N8 Mondays 7.30-10.00pm | Contact for new members | Friendly but hard-working orchestra giving five concerts a year in Palmers Green, North London. Vacancies exist in some sections and the orchestra also operates deputy and waiting lists. View our website for more information including concerts planned for the current season |
Northwood Volunteer Band | Dave Boorer | Mon & Wed evening 8 – 10pm at Northwood Headquarters, Sandy Lane | Dave Boorer 01923 957890 | We are a friendly, sociable band who enjoy our music making and perform locally. Our repertoire is a broad mixture of light classical, film music and big band. All standards of players are welcome and instruments can be loaned free of charge. All rehearsals are free, with free refreshments so come and give us a try! |
Norwood Wind Ensemble | Brian Cox | Twice a month on Sunday afternoons or Sunday evenings in Upper Norwood SE19. | Sarah Cox | An adult wind band that plays traditional wind band repertoire as well as some lighter music. Players of a good standard welcome. We are actively recruiting players some sections - please contact us for vacancies. |
Orchestra of the City | Chris Hopkins Rebecca Smith | Usually Tuesday evenings 7pm, St Augustine's, Queensgate, SW7 | General Enquiries | One of the leading amateur orchestras in London performing 6 concerts per year (2 per term) at venues such as St. John’s, Smith Square. For audition info, please visit our website. High standard – music graduates preferred. |
| The Orpington Symphony Orchestra | Raymond Lewis Sylvia Seaton | Thursdays during term time at The Church of Unity, Rye Crescent. | Raymond Lewis | String players required, also vacancies in some wind sections |
Philharmonia Britannica | Peter Fender Brian Lloyd Wilson | Meet for just 1 to 3 rehearsals close to each concert | Peter Fender | London's most adventurous amateur orchestra! We look to interest the reluctant concert goer by working with different art forms and removing some of the highbrow nature of classical concerts. Also play music from the Baroque up to today. Amateurs & students of good standard sought. We have pro leader of each string section. See website for more details |
Phoenix Concert Band | Chris McGinity | Thursdays 20:00 to 22:00 Hertswood School Lower Site, Cowley Hill, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire | Chris McGinity 020 8364-9862 or 07901-972855 | The Phoenix Concert Band aims to set high standards in its performances, giving playing opportunities to musicians at the upper end of ability. Please contact us if you're around Grade 8 standard, or otherwise well qualified. |
The Portobello Orchestra | Anthony Weeden Mihkel Kerem | Lancaster Road Methodist Church, London W11 on Mondays 19:30- 21:30. | Ken Bartlett 020 8541 0378 | String & brass players required |
The Redhill Sinfonia | Pavel Kotla Andrew MacDonald | Monday evenings at 7:30 at Holy Trinity Church, Carlton Road, Redhill | | To join the orchestra, your playing needs to be of a minimum grade 8 standard for all instruments. You must have relevant experience. We do not currently have any vacancies for woodwind players, but operate a waiting list where appropriate. |
The Rehearsal Orchestra | Levon Parikian Edmund Reid | Weekend courses in London and Manchester; annual week-long course at the Edinburgh Festival | Anne-Marie Norman 020 7820 9994 | Not a regular weekly orchestra, nor strictly amateur, but has for many years rehearsed and played in London as well as around the country |
The Richmond Orchestra | Philip Hesketh Gill Herbert | Wednesdays, 7.30 to 10.00 pm at The United Reform Church, Vernon Road, East Sheen SW14 8AX | via website | The Richmond Orchestra is an amateur orchestra which has always aimed to play the mainstream orchestral repertoire in public to the highest possible standard. It also intends to develop its work with young people of the borough and to further explore the mid to late 20th century repertoire. For more details please see our website. |
| Richmond Symphonic Concert Band NEW | Tom Higgins | Jan/Feb 2010 on Thursdays, moving to Wednesdays from March, in the Richmond area. | Andy Cankett 07985 279917 Emma Lizzi | Starting in January 2010, join our exciting new Concert Band, Grade 8 minimum. We are aiming to be of the highest calibre, wanting to recruit musicians who are going to be regular and committed players, playing standard and more unusual repertoire and regular concerts. Contact us for more details. |
Roding Players Orchestra | Miles Harwood Susan McSweeney | Monday evenings 7.30 - 9.15 p.m., at Roding Valley School, Brook Road, Loughton, Essex | Miles Harwood 02085054329 | Three concerts annually. Vacancies for strings, brass, percussion |
| The Roehampton Orchestra | | Wednesday afternoons, 1.30-3.30 in term time, at Roehampton University SW15 | 020 8392 3432 | We are a friendly amateur orchestra playing a wide variety of repertoire. We are currently seeking players of all instruments. |
The Royal Air Forces Association Presidents Band | Peter Stockdale | RAF Uxbridge, Mondays 7.30 to 9.30 | Brian Hoare 01753 654113 Karen Sutton 01895-811391 Dave Thompson 01895-464916 | Vacancy for an experienced solo/lead flute player. We will also consider other instrumentalists of Grade 6 and above. |
| The Royal Holloway Symphony Orchestra | Robert Max / Levon Parikian | Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham | Vanessa Gordon 01784 443853 | Openings for young instrumentalists on certain instruments; please enquire by email. |
Royal Orchestral Society for Amateur Musicians | Stuart Stratford Charlotte Scott | Mondays 7.00 - 9.30pm. Quintin Kynaston School, St John's Wood NW8 | Janet Farrell (Hon. Secretary) Susie Best (Hon. Treasurer) | An independent, friendly amateur orchestra, established in 1872! Three concerts per year. A lively mix of amateur players and music students enjoy a rich and varied repertoire. New players are most welcome (no auditions). Contact us or see our website for more information |
Saint Bartholomew’s Orchestra | Bernard Jupp Jimmie Brown | St Bartholomew's Church Hall, Ellison Road, Streatham, London, SW16, Every Monday, 8 to 10 pm | Bernard Jupp 020 8764 7523 Jill Dudman 020 8670 5456 | Now in 32nd year - mostly classical, occasional first-performances - vacancies for string players- 3 concerts a year - no formal auditions - easy access, easy parking, ideal rehearsal facilities - subscriptions £20 a year. |
The Salomon Orchestra | Various guest conductors Anna Ritchie | Rehearsals are held 2-3 weeks before each concert | | |
| Saturday Symphony | Peter Lipari | Graham Elliott 020 8645 9183 | A one day orchestra session which seeks to attract experienced and accomplished amateurs and music students. | |
Sinfonia Tamesa | Jason Lai Michelle Wright | 3 concerts a year, Wednesday evening rehearsals for 2 months prior to each. South Bank (Waterloo) | Ursula Sagar 07903 769221 | Very high standard, young and vibrant symphony orchestra comprising semi-professionals, music graduates and skilled amateurs (grade 8+), based in Waterloo. We pride ourselves not only on our highly polished performances but also our extremely friendly ethos. 3 concerts a year, plus an exciting variety of projects and collaborations with top upcoming soloists, new composers and (summer 08) celebrity training sessions for upcoming BBC series ‘Maestro’ (please apply April 08). New players, particularly strings, welcome on a trial basis - no auditions required. |
The Slough Philharmonic Orchestra | David Wilson Marilyn Vanryne | Orchestra: Wednesdays 7:30 to 9:45 Choir: Mondays 7:30 to 9:30 Burnham Grammar School, Hogfair Lane, Burnham SL1 7HG | Orchestra: Keith Pocock 01494 524797 Choir:-Michael du Pre 01628-631119 | 5 concerts per year. Season is September to May. |
South London Concert Band | Tony Ryan | Tuesdays 1930 to 2130 (term-time) St Paul's Church, Welham Road, Streatham | Helena Goldberg Sue Redsull | Friendly group of brass and woodwind players playing at a variety of venues and events during the year |
South London String Orchestra | Julian Williamson Jim Huggon | Chatsworth Baptist Church, Chatsworth Way, (Near Tulse Hill) SE27. Friday Mornings, 10.30 to 12.30 | Elizabeth Rang 020 8947-7603 | No audition are held and retired professionals as well as keen improvers are equally happy! We play Baroque, Classical, Romantic and 20th century music, and give a concert each term. We are a friendly group and would be very pleased to see any new members. |
Southgate Symphony Orchestra | Alex Eadon Angela Hunt | 10 per season at Walker School, Waterfall Road, Southgate, London, N14 7JN. All Wednesdays between 7.30pm and 9.30pm. | Bernard Frankel (Secretary) | Has provided opportunities for people to hear and make music since 1961. The Orchestra welcomes all musicians of Grade 6 or above. Each season is tied in with school terms and culminates in a live concert at different venues around Enfield, often featuring concerti played by guest soloists. |
The Southwark Concert Band | Bob Bridges | Thursdays, 7-45pm to 10pm, at the United Church, Herne Hill, SE24 | Kelly Etridge (band secretary) | A lively and growing concert band, performing two major concerts a year, and numerous outdoor and charitable events. Entry without audition, though subject to places being available |
Southwark Consorts of Winds | | Wednesdays in Herne Hill, SE24 | Alan Taylor | A group of 3 wind chamber ensembles, playing the standard repertoire for groups such as double wind quintets and clarinet choirs, plus arrangements of early music and newly composed music. The ensembles perform together. |
The Surrey Philharmonic Orchestra | Jonathan Butcher Diana Cummings | Friday evenings, 7.30-9.45, at St. Andrew’s School, Grange Road, Leatherhead | Liz Barron 01372 379660 | |
Sutton Symphony Orchestra | Nigel Stephens | Tuesday evenings at The Parochial Rooms, Cheam, 7.30 to 9.30 pm | Nigel Stephens 020 8660 2473 Sue White 0208 644 4055 | If you have any orchestral experience please come and try us out on Tuesday evening. |
Symphonic Wind Orchestra of North London (SWON) | Grace Rossiter | Tuesdays during term time. 7.30pm at Martin Junior School, Plane Tree Walk, East Finchley N2 9JP | Secretary Caroline Egen 020 8340 2706 | An enthusiastic and friendly wind orchestra. We welcome new players especially brass, percussion and lower woodwind. We perform three concerts a year. |
Thames Philharmonia | Byung-Yun Yu Elana Eisen | Four Sunday rehearsals before a concert in Raynes Park, Wimbledon from 6 - 9 | Peter Kaldor 0797 0430 577 | Four Concerts and one Workshop per year. Concerts are in the Landmark Centre, Teddington, St John's Smith Square, and in Kingston upon Thames Churches Membership fee £20 per year Vacancies: Strings and some Brass |
Thameside Clarinet Choir | Christopher Hooker | St John's Church, New Malden, Kingston, Surrey / Thursdays 8.00-10.00 | Christopher Hooker | Fully subscribed Clarinet Choir from Eb to contrabass Meets every Thursday in South West London. Extensive (300+) library. Holds twice yearly Playing Days with invited guest players. See website for more details |
Three Rivers Chamber Orchestra | John K. Andrews Genny Mepham | St. Mary's Church, Rickmansworth, Herts | Theresa Cory Genny Mepham | The Three Rivers Chamber Orchestra is an amateur orchestra of high standard, based in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire presenting 2 - 3 concerts a year and having fun sight-reading during the odd repertoire day. We welcome new players, especially strings, brass and percussion. Our short preparation periods ( 3 - 4 weeks before the concert) will be particularly attractive to music students or those who are unable to commit to regular weekly rehearsals. |
The Trinity Orchestra | Paul Watkins Sally Telling | Thursday, Friday & Friday in two weeks preceding concert, Trinity Church, Harrow | Alan Thomas | Looking for a few more string players esp. cellists. Grade VIII is the minimum standard. Six concerts plus one or two big choral events a year. Aim for high quality performances with our musical director and regular guest conductors. |
Tudor Orchestra | Owen Leech Haruko Motohashi | Monday night 7:45 - 9:45, Trinity Church Centre, Nether Street, North Finchley, N12 7NN | Jocasta Perry 020 8368 7021 Adrian | Friendly orchestra playing classical and romantic works - more interesting than most. Open to amateur and professional musicians of all levels of ability (no auditions required!), playing under the guidance of a professional conductor, leader and principal cello. We would welcome more strings, particularly violin and viola players, as well as brass players and timpanists (or deputies for concerts). Happy to work with other orchestras on mutual filling in of parts for concerts, and assist other orchestras reconstitute as charities. |
| U3A Orchestra | Leonard Davis | Goldsmiths College, New Cross, London SE14 every fortnight starting on 21 September. 2pm to 5pm. | Leonard Davis 0208 464 8238 | String orchestra for amateur players in the over-50 group who are now retired. |
The Wandsworth Symphony Orchestra | Keith Stent Margaret Whittal | Wednesday 7:15 - 9:30 p.m. St. Mary’s Church, Putney Bridge | Ruth Baber - 0208-879 0062 (fixer) | Three concerts per year |
Watford Symphony Orchestra | Edward Kay Rebecca Boyle | Generally Thursday evenings - but not every week | Vicky Vandy, Secretary | A new orchestra aiming to provide good standard amateurs with an opportunity to make classical music in a friendly environment. Three/four concerts a year. Recruiting all strings in Grade VIII range. |
West London Sinfonia | Philip Hesketh Eleanor Parry | Tuesdays 7.30 - 10 at Haven Green Baptist Church Hall, Haven Green W5 | Moira Cyriax, (020) 8997 3540 | Ambitious & friendly orchestra based in Ealing who perform 6 concerts per year.. Players Grade 8+ welcome. We are particularly interested in hearing from you if you play the violin, cello or double bass. Please see our website for further details. |
West London StringsNEW | Robin Wedderburn | Mondays, St Marys Church, Edith Road, West Kensington, London W14 9BA | Riq Willitts 020 8748 8401 Robin Wedderburn 020 8878 9840 | A new group starting in September 2009. No auditions; Grade 3 upwards welcome. Age 18 to 80+. Music will be chosen and arranged to suit the membership. Our main aim is to experience the enjoyment of working at worthwhile music. |
The Westminster Philharmonic Orchestra | Jonathan Butcher Jillian Warburton | Usually Sundays, Indian YMCA, Fitzroy Street | Paul Munro 020 8423 5245 | New members welcome, viola, double bass and trombone particularly welcome |
The Whitehall Orchestra | Michael Nebe Nathaniel Vallois | Thursdays 6.45 - 9.00pm at the DTI, 1-19 Victoria Street, SW1. | Carla Finesilver | The orchestra provides an excellent opportunity for instrumentalists, particularly in the Civil Service, to rehearse together and perform three concerts a year to a high standard, often including ""big"" orchestral works that are just fantastic to play. We are keen to welcome new members (you don't have to be a Civil Servant... but we'd like more of those too) and we are are currently looking for trumpets and strings (a few vacancies in all sections). No formal auditions are held, but the minimum standard is Grade 7 for Strings and Grade 8+ for wind with admission by trial rehearsal. Full sections run a waiting/deps/extras list. |
The Wimbledon Symphony Orchestra | Robin Browning Charlotte Edwards | Tuesday evenings at Bishop Gilpin School, Lake Road, Wimbledon. | | Concerts - 4 per annum at St. Matthew’s Church, SW20. Good string players welcome |
The Winchmore String Orchestra | Rachael Young Chris Gundry | Thursdays 7:45pm - 9:45pm at Winchmore Hill Methodist Church, Green Lanes N13 4EP | Joan Bayliss | |
The Windsor & Maidenhead Symphony Orchestra | Leon Gee Liz Greeley | Every Tuesday from 7.30pm to 9.40pm, Dolphin School, Hurst, near Twyford, Berks | Frances Jones | |
Windsor Community OrchestraNEW | Elaine Foakes | Oakfield First School in Imperial Road, Windsor on Thursdays from 7.00 to 9.00 p.m | Elaine Fowkes 01753 859123 | A local orchestra for all ages, including children above 9 years old, young people and adults, who meet to learn a wide range of music and perform together in the community. We welcome players of any grade or ability, but the orchestra is designed for those under grade 5. |
The Woodford Symphony Orchestra | Philip Norman Keith Gurry | Thursday evening from 7.45-9.45 at Roding Valley High School, Alderton Hill, Loughton | Philip Norman 0208-519 6491 |
If you have any information you'd like to appear here about a non-professional orchestra you conduct, play in or know of, let me know:
ku.gro.sartsehcroruetama@ffoeg
(You won't be able to cut and paste this address from here directly, you'll need to type it in to your
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Adhoc Humanitarians’ Orchestra